| Cymbopogon nardus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
| Genus: | Cymbopogon |
| Species: | C. nardus |
| Binomial name | |
| Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle | |
| Synonyms | |
| Andropogon nardus Linnaeus, 1753 | |
Cymbopogon nardus, common name citronella grass, is a perennial aromatic plant from the family Poaceae, originating in tropical Asia.
- It is the source of an essential oil known as "citronella oil".
- Cannot be eaten because of its unpalatable nature.
- Is an invasive species that renders pastureland useless as cattle will starve even in its abundance.
Ethnobotanical uses
Essential oils are extracted from the aerial parts, and are applied topically as an insect repellent.